[Mac]

Thai property laws are complicated and strange. In essence they are trying to protect Thailand from carpet baggers and the like.

Here is the chapter and verse

Acquisition of Land by Spouses of Aliens

According to the most urgent letter No.Mor.Thor. 0710/Vor.792 dated March 23, 1999, the procedures for the acquisition of land by Thais having spouses being aliens, either by lawful marriage (with proper registration of marriage) or unlawful marriage (without proper registration of marriage) and children of aliens, have been changed to be as follows:

Any Thai having an alien spouse may purchase or accept land as a gift with no consideration and register the ownership of such land during marriage under a condition that the spouse must jointly provide a written legal confirmation stating that the entire source of funds for such purchase or gift is solely from the "Personal Property" (as defined by Thai laws) of such Thai. Without written confirmation from an alien spouse, the request for such registration must be referred to the Land Department in order to obtain an approval from the Minister.

Acquisition of Land by Spouses of Aliens

Any Thai who has divorced or separated from an alien spouse may purchase or accept land as a gift with no consideration and register the ownership of such land if it does not appear after investigation that he/she has done so to avoid the law.

Acquisition of Land by Children of Aliens

Any alien's minor having Thai nationality may purchase or accept land as a gift with no consideration and register the ownership of such land if it does not appear after investigation that he/she has done so to avoid the law.

Hope its not too confusing being an alien....

Mac